A 34-year-old man pleaded guilty but mentally ill Thursday in an attack on his girlfriend that left her severely burned.

Kwan Raylee Fowler pleaded guilty to domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature.

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Deputies who were called April 25, 2016, to Pocalla Way about a domestic dispute found Fowler’s girlfriend with several large burns to her neck, hair and several parts of her body.

The woman told deputies that after she and Fowler had argued for several hours, he grabbed a lighter and lighter fluid, which he sprayed on the victim, and set her on fire in front of two of her children.

The victim was able to escape to the children’s bedroom. She climbed out through a window, ran to her mother’s home about a block away and called 911.

The victim’s four children remained locked in two bedrooms. The woman said as she ran away, she saw Fowler drive away.

Fowler was later arrested at St. Francis Hospital. He told deputies that he did not know how or why he was there.

The victim was transferred from AnMed Medical Center to the Augusta Burn Center.

Fowler was sentenced Thursday to 20 years suspended to 15 years in prison followed by five years’ probation.

“Kwan Fowler is a serious danger to the community,” Solicitor David Wagner said. “Ms. Smith and her family will be safer with him in prison for the

next 15 years. Although she continues to receive treatment, the pain and

scarring are a lasting reminder to her of the devastating effects of domestic

violence.

“Our community must become involved in helping to prevent and

reduce the incidences of domestic violence.

“If you are a victim of domestic violence, reach out for help. Counseling, shelters and other services are available to those who ask. One organization that offers help is Safe Harbor which can be reached by calling 1-800-291-2139.”